Sunday, December 31, 2006

I. THE PREACHER'S RESOLUTIONS (& HOW THEY AFFECT YOU)1. I will preach CHRIST [1:17, 23; 2:2] -Bring the lost!

2. I will give you milk [3:1-2a, Heb. 5:12-13] -Bring a sincere desire to learn

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. I Pet. 2:1-3

3. I will give you meat [3:2, Heb. 5:14] -Be prepared to have to chew (Meditate)

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

II. THE NEGATIVE RESOLUTIONS FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN

1. "I will not DEVALUE my life" [3:10-15]

2. "I will not DEFILE the temple of God" [3:16-17]

3. "I will not DECEIVE myself with the world!" [3:18-23] The world is the problem, the Word is the solution.

III. THE POSITIVE RESOLUTIONS FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN1. Be faithful [4:1-2]

2. Be forewarned [4:3-13] Things aren't always as YOU think they are!

3. Be followers! [4:14-17]

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. [I Co. 11:1]

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; [Eph. 5:1]

And he (JESUS) saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. [Mt. 4:19]

Saturday, December 30, 2006

A: It’s true that some monkeys and apes, lured along by rewards, have been able to learn what might be called a simple sign language. But it’s been discovered that monkeys lack the key principle common to all human languages—something called “phrase structure grammar.”An example of phrase structure grammar would be a sentence that uses the words “if” and “then.” These two words enable us to communicate opinions and complex social ideas, as there are many concepts that an unstructured string of words could never communicate.Unsurprisingly, the discovery that monkeys lack this key ability has dashed some scientists’ hopes that monkeys could be trained to master a complex language.No matter how hard evolutionists try to make apes and monkeys our relatives, they always end up finding themselves at a loss for words (excuse the pun). Only humans have the ability to communicate using complex grammar patterns, because God made man in His image with the ability to communicate with Him—and with each other—starting from the very beginning.

This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

The term "JEHOVAHJIREH" only appears once in the Scriptures and that is right here in our text. In the strictest sense it is the name of a place not a title for God but Abraham's intent is to name a place bearing testimony of who God is and what He will do. Jehovah, or more properly, Yahweh is the eternal, self-existent One without beginning or end. "Jireh" is a form of the verb "to see" and is usually translated "see" or "appear" in the Old Testament. How it became synonymous with "God will provide" should be made clear during this mesage.

First note:

I. WHAT GOD WAS NOT DOING!

1. God was NOT approving human sacrifice- He knew what He was going to do!

Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

"It was not Isaac's life that God wanted; it was Abraham's heart, and He got it!" Lehman Strauss

2. God was NOT tempting Abraham to do evil (Gn. 22:1)- James 1:13

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"

3. God was not trying to prove to Himself Abraham's faith- He was testing (proving) Him before men. Did Abraham love Yahweh as much as the heathen loved their false gods? (remember Job and Satan, the test was good for Job, proved something to Satan and us)

James 2:18-24, Rm. 4:1-3

"God never puts us to the test until: we are ready for it and He has made preparation for our victory." -L.S.

Secondly note:

II. THE SUCCESS OF ABRAHAM

Abraham was not a success because he was some super-perfect Christian.

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

2. Abraham didn't fully understand but he fully submitted.

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.Is. 41:8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

3. Abraham didn't fully understand be he fully worshipped [Gn. 22:5- 1st use of "worship" in the Bible]

"When the heart is right in God's sight, no sacrifice is too great to offer Him, and this is the only kind of worship He accepts." -L.S.

John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Note lastly:

III. THE PROVISION OF GOD

The word "provision" comes from to words [pro=before, vision=to see] and thus means to see beforehand. God sees all things beforehand (an attribute we call foreknowledge) and then He prepares and provides beforehand (ex. the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world). So Abraham was saying "the Lord will see to it", i.e., "the Lord will provide!"

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

The angel of the Lord announced, "Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people" [Lk 2:10]. Mary rejoiced. "My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior" [Lk 1:46, 56]. This is amazing. John the Baptist, in the womb of his mother, "leaped in my womb for joy" [Lk 1:44]. "The wise men rejoiced" [Mt. 2:10]. "A multitude of the heavenly host rejoiced" [Lk 2:13, 14]. The shepherds rejoiced [Lk 2:20]. Simeon rejoiced [Lk 2:25-32]. There is much more but Christmas is surrounded by joy. We must let joy fill our lives with everything God does "for ALL things work together for good" to His children. [Rom 8:28].

We all know that but do not count on it at all times. We MUST. This is how to rejoice all of the new year, all year long. "Rejoice in the Lord" [Phil 4:4]. "Rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven" [Lk 10:20]. Don't rejoice in anything you do or have but in Spiritual things, being saved above all. "Rejoice ever more" [1 Thes 5:16]. Don't gripe or grumble about problems or petty things but rejoice all the time "in the Lord." Keep it up. Keep your mind stayed on Him. "Set your affections (your mind) on things above" [Col 3:1]. "These things write we unto you that your joy might be FULL" [1 Jn. 1:4]. "These things have I spoken unto you...that your joy might be FULL" [Jn 15:11]. "Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be FULL" [Jn 16:24]. God wants you FULL of joy.

Ask for souls! Most don't and don't get many or any, either. Go for souls. Look what winning the lost will do. That shepherd who had 100 sheep and lost one, went after it until he found it and "he layeth in on his shoulder rejoicing" you will too [Lk 15:5]. Then his friends and neighbors "Rejoice with me for I have found my sheep which was lost" [vs 6]. Oh my, that was the tip of the ice berg, there was joy in heaven [vs 7]. God rejoices! Folks, let that sink in. That is one thing, the birth of the Son of the living God is all about!

Sum it up, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" [Neh 8:10]. The man Christ Jesus, "was a man of sorrows" [Isa 53:3] but "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross" for you and me! He suffered and died for all our sins, paid the debt in full and rose again to be our living Savior. And we are going to heaven instead of hell because someone gave us the gospel. [Heb 12:2]. Shouldn't you pass it on? Have you trusted and received Him as your Savior? Why not do it now? Tell God you will receive Him.

Monday, December 25, 2006

"What do you really want out of life." What does every person, saved or unsaved, really crave out of life. Forget religious answers for this is for saved or unsaved to answer. Over 60 years of ministry, I have asked this question hundreds times to large and small groups. Three out of the first four answers will be I want LOVE, I want JOY, I want PEACE. That is what Christmas all about.

"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son (to suffer and die for our sins, paid our debt in full and rose again) that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" Jn 3:16.

"The angel of the Lord said, I bring you good tidings" Lk 2:10. Now that is good tidings, good news. You wont hear that on the news cast or read it the 'news-paper'. The world and the devil will see to that. God loves you. He proved it, "In that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" Rom 5:8. Now that is love. Do you want a big dose of that love? Believe this 'good news' and receive the Lord Jesus as your Savior too and the "love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" Rom 5:5.

Hear me, that is the NORMAL Christian life. "The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE" Gal 5:22. "Be filled with the Spirit" and you will be filled with love! make sense? That, folks, is what Christmas is all about. If you don't have it, GET IT.

Joy and Peace Wed. and Friday. Don't miss them.You are love by God and me, All Because of Calvary, C. Sumner Wemp, Dallas, TX USA.

Go to www.sumnerwemp.com Click on the wreath to see our home and Christmas manger scene and life of Christ. Four people saved at manger scene this year.

Every year at this time we hear of people opposing the celebration of Christmas. It's not always the heathen either! Sometimes it's by people who claim to be Christian. Sometimes they are worried you might offend a non-Christian. Here's what former Nixon speech-writer and TV and movie personality Ben Stein had to say about that, "I am a Jew and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish, and it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautifully lit-up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are — Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they're slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we're all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me one bit that there's a manger scene on display at a key intersection at my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, fine. The menorah a few hundred yards away is fine, too. I do not like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat."

So by the same token you will hear of people, both Christian and non-Christian promoting the celebration of Christmas. Obviously I am all for celebrating Christmas and I have made no secret of it. I do know however there are some things Christians should NOT do in the midst of their celebrating. I also know some things that others frown on are legitimately okay for godly people to do. I know these things because the Bible teaches it directly or indirectly through principles and the application of them.

IT IS WRONG TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS BY:

-LYING- Jesus said of Satan, "When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."

Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

-IMMORALITY- Mistletoe and beyond. "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." The Bible is clearly talking about outside of the legitimacy of the marriage bond there are places a couple should not go.

-DRINKING INTOXICATING BEVERAGES- spiked nog or straight drinking the Bible warns in Pr. 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

BY ATTENDING SERVICES- Heb. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

BY SINGING CHRIST HONORING CHRISTMAS CAROLS-Psalm 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.Psalm 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.Psalm 9:11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.Psalm 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.Psalm 30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.Psalm 33:2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.Psalm 47:6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.Psalm 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

BY SPECIAL MEALS- Esther 9:15-19

BY GIVING GIFTS- Esther 9:20-24

BY SETTING ASIDE SPECIAL DAYS- Esther 9:25-32, Rm. 14:5-6

IN FACT, THE BIBLE SAYS:

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Colossians 314 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Saturday, December 23, 2006

A: If a person believes the earth has a history of hundreds of millions of years, then they have to accept that a history of millions of years of death, disease, violence, and suffering led up to man’s existence. The reason for this is that those who believe in millions of years think that the fossil record (in which they see those supposed millions of years) was laid down over this huge amount of time—and the fossil record is a record of death, disease, violence, and suffering.But the Bible makes it clear that death is an intrusion—an enemy. There was no death of animals or man before Adam sinned, as at the end of the sixth day of creation, God pronounced everything “very good.” What this means is that if a Christian accepts the history of millions of years of death before man, they’re telling the world that the Bible’s history is wrong!In other words, the Bible’s history of death is incompatible with the history of death given by those who accept “millions of years.” The Bible is Truth—which means one can’t logically believe in millions of years.What are the real consequences of trying to fit old ages into Genesis 1? Read the disturbing results in Two histories of death at the Answers In Genesis website via the link in the left side bar.

This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

The 3 greatest actions. What can they be? Would they be acts of terrorism and/or war---like Pearl Harbor or 9-11? Would they be acts of retaliation like Hiroshima or Nagasaki? Would they be moments that transcend war- like the first man in space or man walking on the moon? Would they be acts of desperation like when a parent lifts a car off a child through a rush of adrenalin? Though all these may be powerful actions once again the Lord God Almighty would have to take center stage. The three greatest actions? Lets pray and then we will look at them.

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Every good gift is from God. Think about that. Every single solitary good thing you ever have gotten came from God. It doesn’t matter who or what God used to deliver it, if it was good, truly good, it was from God. Then it says that every perfect gift is from God. Now there are many, many good gifts that God has given us… the number of perfect gifts is relatively smaller. Every good gift is not a perfect gift but every perfect gift is a good gift. Of the good and perfect gifts let us see the greatest three, and as God would have it they are all closely related!

Monday, December 18, 2006

"Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. We also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. And without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishes. By accepting these greetings you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself or himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher."

For All My Other Friends:

"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! "

slightly edited form of one sent to me in an email... authorship unknown but not unappreciated.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

A: Although we don’t know for sure that the serpent referred to in Genesis 1 really was the same as a snake, we do know that snakes do eat dust! After the serpent deceived Eve, God cursed it, saying, “On your belly you shall go and you shall eat dust all the days of your life.” And since most people don’t realize that many snakes eat dust, they use this as a reason not to take Genesis literally.See, a snake has an organ in the roof of its mouth called “Jacobson’s organ” that helps the snake smell. Here’s how it works: with its darting, forked tongue, the snake picks up bits of dust and pulls them into its mouth. Once the dust is inside the mouth, a pair of sensory organs takes over and the snake is able to smell the trail for possible prey.The point is, no matter what the serpent was, nothing contradicts the Bible’s clear statements in Genesis.For an in-depth look at the serpent and its true identity, see Who was the serpent? at the Answers In Genesis website (link at left)

This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Mr. Stein offered this commentary for the CBS Sunday Morning news program on December 18, 2005. From a CBS News transcript of the program:

CHARLES OSGOOD, host: We all have our own thoughts about the holidays. Here's Ben Stein with his.

BEN STEIN: Here at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart. I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I'm buying my dog biscuits. I still don't know. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores who they are. They don't know who Nick and Jessica are, either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they've broken up? Why are they so darned important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I don't care at all about Tom Cruise's baby. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I'm a subversive? Maybe. But I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. Is this what it means to be no longer young? Hm, not so bad. Next confession: I am a Jew and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish, and it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautifully lit-up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are — Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they're slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. I shows that we're all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me one bit that there's a manger scene on display at a key intersection at my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, fine. The menorah a few hundred yards away is fine, too. I do not like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way. Where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and aren't allowed to worship God as we understand him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we used to know went to.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

“The itch for bigness is a dangerous thing. It has made a castaway of many a man whom God once richly blessed. A man should desire to be neither larger nor smaller than pleases God. Better than that, he should not bother at all about how large or how small but rather how faithful he shall be." -Vance Havner

“The preacher who is concerned with gaining a reputation, rising in his profession, is always in bondage. Every great opportunity finds him tense and nervous for fear he will not ‘put it over.’ He measures success by audience response, the compliments of his hearers, his rating among his contemporaries.”Ibid., p. 19

“America is amusement and entertainment mad, and we have the highest per capita rate of boredom of any people on the face of the earth. There’s a delusion going around today, even in evangelical and fundamental circles sometimes [it has now become commonplace--editor], that we must be entertained at church. Christianity has come all the way from an experience to a performance.”Ibid., p. 33

Monday, December 11, 2006

Last week we saw in the Bible that Jesus WAS born in late December, maybe even Dec. 25th! This week we look at a few other criticisms of Christmas. Had they put as much work into studying the matter out as they do criticizing they would know the answers themselves. It seems the only exercise they get is jumping to conclusions. Let’s examine some of their complaints and answer them with more Christmas facts!

I. THEY SAY "CHRISTMAS TREES ARE OF PAGAN ORIGIN" [Jer. 10:1-4]

1. Jeremiah is not talking about Christmas trees [Jer. 10:5-15] He is referring to wooden idols, carved by men, overlaid with gold, etc.

2. Christmas trees are actually Christian.

John R. Rice recounts the origin of the Christmas tree.

In the 8th century a missionary named Boniface went to Germany to preach Christ. The Germanic tribes worshipped the oak tree as a symbol of deity. Boniface told them it was a poor symbol for God since it sheds its leaves and appears dead in winter. He told them the tree that should remind them of God was the evergreen. Always green and thriving.

Christmas trees became popular in England primarily through the influence of the German-born, Prince Albert, husband of England’s Queen Victoria. In America the trees were introduced by German immigrants in Pennsylvania.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Psalm 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. SelahPsalm 33:8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.Psalm 119:161 Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

2. Be comforted by God's comfort! [v. 10-14]

Psalm 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Isaiah 49:13 Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

3. Be busy about God's business! [v. 15-20]

Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

1 Thessalonians 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began...

Saturday, December 09, 2006

A: Most people believe it takes millions of years for a fossil to form, but that it only takes a short period of time for a mother to give birth. But knowing that birth is such a brief process shows us that fossils don’t take millions of years to form! Consider this startling example:A museum in Germany has a beautifully detailed fossil on display. It shows an ichthyosaur in the process of giving birth to a fully formed baby. The baby, except for the head, appears to have emerged from the body of the mother.This fossil presents a problem for those who think such fossils were formed over millions of years. It’s obvious that the mother and baby ichthyosaur must have been buried instantly to capture the birth while it was occurring. Also, the tissues of the baby ichthyosaur would have been more susceptible to decomposition, and yet they were preserved in nearly perfect detail.When we study the events of Genesis—such as the Flood of Noah, and the destruction it would’ve caused—we shouldn’t be surprised to find such fossils as an ichthyosaur caught in the act of giving birth. Such fossils make sense when you start with the Bible.To read about other ways ichthyosaur fossils show the havoc caused by the Flood, see Kamikaze ichthyosaur? at the Answers In Genesis website (link at left)

This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.

Friday, December 08, 2006

There was an interesting letter on the editorial page of the Bradford County Telegraph last year (12-1-05). A lady, whom to my knowledge I do not know, wrote,

The following is "Just My Opinion" but I would like to know - "What do you think, are you willing to change?"

My answer is “no”. I am not willing to change because of someone’s opinion. I am willing to conform to the Word of God. Romans 3:4

What is wrong with Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus on his "real" birthday? Why don't Christians just let the world have their "Happy Holidays" their "Santa Clauses," their lighted trees and all the other traditions" that go with Dec. 25? Guys, believe it or not, this is not the day Jesus was born and I can tell you exactly when it was.

It will take a major portion of this sermon to discount this statement But let’s see how her opinion continued.

It was Tishri 15 (that is a Jewish feast day, their New Year or Rosh Hashanah). Jesus fulfilled every one of the Jewish Feast Days. On the exact days those feast happened, in the time of Jesus, those feast were fulfilled. The only feast left to fulfill is the Feast of Trumpets, and that is the Rapture.

There is not one hint in the Scriptures that Jesus was born on Rosh Hashanah. There would have been a lot of Jewish rituals going on during that time and none is indicated by either Luke or Matthew. Matthew’s silence is deafening since his purpose was to present Christ as the King of the Jews and this would certainly have bolstered that claim.

Now, do you understand why the Shepherds were out watching their sheep by night? It was not cold weather in September.

Dr. Mark Cambron, respected Bible scholar had heard this unsubstantiated claim that it is too cold for the sheep in December. We must remember Israel is not North Dakota or even Ohio. Dr. Cambron was at the shepherds’ field in Bethlehem one Christmas eve and noticed there were shepherds present. He asked them, “Why are sheep here and not in folds. Isn’t it too cold?” They replied, “This is when the grass grows best, so we graze here!” Then he noticed the grass was indeed thick and over knee high. Hearsay destroyed by eyewitnesses!

If Christians go to the "real" birth of Jesus and celebrate it, then all those people who are fighting over not having "their" symbols displayed, or the ACLU fighting to eliminate every thing religious, would perhaps stop. No other religion will be allowed to put up their symbol on our special day.It doesn't belong to them, it belongs to the Christians.

That’s a rather naïve view isn’t it? II Th. 1:4, II Tm. 3:11-12

See, right now, they are telling us that Dec. 25 does not belong to Christians, it belongs to those who worship Santa Clause. And you know what? They are right. Separating the two times of the year, would also help teach your child the truth about Jesus, especially if you are a Christian.

I never had a problem teaching my kids the truth about Jesus or Santa. Dt. 6:4-7, Eph. 6:4

See, here is the Christians problem (as I see it). We have put our Lord and Saviors birth right up there with "pagan" beliefs.

Actually Satan constantly tries to get people to believe his lie rather than God’s truth. Jn. 8:44

Does God approve of this? Does God back us in our efforts to keep Jesus as our symbol for this paganism day of worship?

Does she really believe we shouldn’t worship Jesus on any day someone else has set aside for paganism? I worship Jesus on Dec. 25th, July 4th, October 31st and every other day of the year!Jn. 4:24, Rm. 14:5

Now, if you want to support Santa Clause and all that goes with it, I see no problem with that, but just remember - this is not the birth of Jesus. Don't let the attributes of Santa Clause become the same as Jesus' attributes.

Which is it? Does she have a problem with it or does she not? I personally have a problem with it. Is. 42:8, I Cor. 2:8, Ps. 24

Separating of the two times, will put a stop to this.

No. It won’t. Why would it?

The Jewish celebration on or near Dec. 25, called Hanukkah (celebration of lights) has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. Now, I know this is not pagan; this is a true event for them, the Jews. But it is still not Christmas.

They would rather sit right where they are and let the ACLU and all the other religions of the world dictate to us, about the birth of our Savior; and send money to organizations to fight to keep Dec. 25 for Jesus.

I haven’t sent anyone any money. But if I did it would be to preserve our right to celebrate Christmas in a Christ honoring fashion.

If this world's system eventually gets to the point where there is no "Merry Christmas" and it all becomes "Happy Holidays," guys, don't panic, just remember: It isn't the birth of Jesus any way.Just my opinion.

The last three words are the truest thing she has said in her whole letter. The rest reminds me of the Texas longhorn… a point here and a point there and a lot of bull in-between So can we pinpoint Christmas to December at least. Let’s see.

Bible fact # 1 In I Chr. 24:1-19 David organized the priests for the Temple. There were 24 orders for the 12 months, two orders per month (v. 18-19). Note in the fourth month, the latter part of the month is the order of Abijah (v. 10).

Bible fact # 2 In Ex. 12:2, 13:4 God says the month Nisan is the first month of the Jewish calendar. Nisan falls in our Mar. /Apr. which puts the order of Abijah in our July.

Bible Fact # 3 Zechariah was serving in July. (Lk. 1:5-7) Not yet 50 but advanced in years (people age differently, in US pioneer days the average lifespan was 35). Luke 1:8-23. He went home in August and John the Baptist was conceived in August or September (1:24). Her first month would be Sept. or Oct. Her 6th month would be Feb.-March. (1:26-36 Mary conceived in Elisabeth’s 6th month so her first month would be March-April. Count it out. April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., December.

Late December is when the shepherds are out in their fields to watch their sheep by night. The night the angels came. Luke 2:8-15. The night, Christ was born. I for one am not going to let the Devil steal my Christmas.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving cookies.

Drink as much eggnog as you can and quickly. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an "eggnog-aholic" or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it!!!! Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand-alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello???

Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

Same for pies. Pecan, pumpkin and mincemeat - have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two pecans and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips: Start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body. But rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO-HOO what a ride!"

This commentary is from the pen of Nick Gholson, a columnist for the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, Texas, published in September of 1999.Last updated 11/7/04 on www.truthorfiction.com

I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theory of evolution.Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game. So what's the big deal?It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game."But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. Yes, and this is the UnitedStates of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1. So, what would you expect-somebody chanting Hare Krishna? If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer. If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray toBuddha. And, I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit. When inRome..."But, what about the atheists?" is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate. Just humor us for 30 seconds. If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer. Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations.Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now, a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us. And, if that last sentence offends you, well..........just sue me.The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard [know] that the vast majority don't care what they want. It is time the majority rules!It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray. You don't have to say the pledge of allegiance, you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right … but, by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting back. . .and we WILL WIN!God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him... God bless America, despite all her faults, she is still the greatest nation of all...God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God!May 2004 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions.Keep looking up...... "In God WE Trust."

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

It's that time of year again.The time that the world's attention is refocused on the birth of Jesus Christ. Not everyone whose attention is drawn to it believe it. Some reject it as fantasy. Some accept it as fact. And still others don't know what to believe and often don't realize there is no way to be unaffected by it. Consider firstly,

I. THE REJECTION OF THE VIRGIN BIRTH [JOHN 8:41]

Many so-called religious leaders sneer at the idea of a virgin birth. Back in the 1990s Redbook surveyed Protestant seminaries and found out over 40% did not believe in the virgin birth. Who knows what the percentage would be today. There have always been doubters.

1. The cause of rejection [Heb. 3:7-12]

2. The character of rejection [Heb. 3:13]

It's an odd thing but those who reject the virgin birth have problem's with Mary's character. God says she was a virgin but they say she was immoral. They have a problem with Jesus' character because they make Him, who knew no sin, to be a sinful son of Adam rather than "that Holy thing... shall be called the Son of God." They have a problem with the Bible's character because in Genesis, Isaiah, Jeremiah and various New Testament books the virgin birth is declared as truth! When they reject God's truth they impugn their own character. "Let God be true and every man a liar!"

3. The consequence of rejection [Heb. 3:14-19]

Adrian Rogers was witnessing to Muhammed Ali. Ali asked, "You say that Jesus Christ is the Son of God because He was born of a virgin. Adam didn't have either a father or mother. Wouldn't that make Adam even more a Son of God than Jesus Christ?" Brother Rogers replied, "Champ, let me tell you something. Jesus Christ was not the Son of God because He was born of a virgin. He was born of a virgin because He was the Son of God! And we need to understand this!"

II. THE RECEPTION OF THE VIRGIN BORN SAVIOUR [JOHN 1:10-14]1. The cause of reception [Mt. 16:15-17]

Do you have to fully understand it? No. Vance Havner said, "I do not understand electricity, but I do not intend to sit around in the dark until I do!" If you believe in the miracle working power of the God of the Bible it isn't a problem. Lk. 1:37 "For with God nothing shall be impossible!"

2. The cost of reception [Mt. 10:40]

3. The consequence of reception [John 3:13-18, 26-36]

III. THE RECLAMATION OF THE VIRGIN BORN SAVIOUR1. He came to save the lost [Lk. 19:10]

Monday, December 04, 2006

A short time back I did a message (and hence a blog) on "Who Are You Calling A Protestant?". After that I came across this quote from Spurgeon, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, 1861, p. 225.

We believe that the Baptists are the original Christians. We did not commence our existence at the Reformation, we were reformers before Luther or Calvin were born; we never came from the Church of Rome, for we were never in it, but we have an unbroken line up to the Apostles themselves. We have always existed from the very days of Christ, and our principles, sometimes veiled and forgotten, like a river which may travel underground for a little season, have always had honest and holy adherents. Persecuted alike by Romanists and Protestants of almost every sect, yet there has never existed a government holding Baptist principles which persecuted others; nor, I believe, any body of Baptists ever held it to be right to put the consciences of others under the control of man. We have ever been ready to suffer, as our martyrologies will prove, but we are not ready to accept any help from the State, to prostitute the purity of the bride of Christ to any alliance with Government, and we will never make the Church, although the Queen, the despot over the consciences of men."

Sunday, December 03, 2006

I have never seen Jim Carrey's version of the Grinch. I am familiar with Boris Karloff's wonderful narration of Chuck Jones' version of the Dr. Seuss classic. The Grinch is a more secularized version of Charles Dicken's immortal classic, A Christmas Carol. Ebeneezer Scrooge was stealing Christmas cheer long before the Grinch got started. I would rather be either one of those characters than the folks we'll look at now. These folks are ornery, sinful, and downright mean. And worse than that... they are real. And they have people today picking right up where these miserable excuses for people left off.

I'D RATHER BE A GRINCH OR A SCROOGE THAN...

I. AN ANTAGONISTIC EGOMANIAC LIKE HEROD

1. He was troubled than one might be considered greater than him [2:1-3]

2. He was deceptive in his opposition [2:7-8, 12]

3. He was determined to destroy the Christ of Christmas [2:13-19]

II. THE APATHETIC RELIGIONISTS HEROD USED

1. They were troubled like Herod [2:1-3]

2. They knew what the Scriptures had prophesied [2:4-6]

3. They made no effort to seek the Christ

III. AN UNREPENTANT INDIVIDUAL OF ANY SORT

Charles Dickens, though certainly not perfect, was a professing Christian. In, A Christmas Carol, it should be noted that Scrooge is confronted with:

1. A sinner's condemnation [Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.]

2. The testimony of saints (Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, his own nephew Fred)

"And how did little Tim behave?" asked Mrs. Cratchit, when she had rallied Bob on his credulity, and Bob had hugged his daughter to his heart's content.

"As good as gold," said Bob, "and better. Somehow he gets thoughtful, sitting by himself so much, and thinks the strangest things you ever heard. He told me, coming home, that he hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple, and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see."

"I was only going to say," said Scrooge's nephew, "that the consequence of his taking a dislike to us, and not making merry with us, is, as I think, that he loses some pleasant moments, which could do him no harm. I am sure he loses pleasanter companions than he can find in his own thoughts, either in his mouldy old office, or his dusty chambers. I mean to give him the same chance every year, whether he likes it or not, for I pity him. He may rail at Christmas till he dies, but he can't help thinking better of it -- I defy him -- if he finds me going there, in good temper, year after year, and saying Uncle Scrooge, how are you? ...and I think I shook him yesterday."

3. A sinner's opportunity [Rm. 10:9-13] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone! ..."I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!" Scrooge repeated, as he scrambled out of bed. "The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. Oh Jacob Marley! Heaven, and the Christmas Time be praised for this! I say it on my knees, old Jacob, on my knees! ...He went to church, and walked about the streets, and watched the people hurrying to and fro, and patted children on the head, and questioned beggars, and looked down into the kitchens of houses, and up to the windows, and found that everything could yield him pleasure. He had never dreamed that any walk -- that anything -- could give him so much happiness. In the afternoon he turned his steps towards his nephew's house. ... Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did NOT die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins, as have the malady in less attractive forms. His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.

He had no further intercourse with Spirits, but lived upon the Total Abstinence Principle, ever afterwards; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!

Saturday, December 02, 2006

A: The majority of Christians today look at the Bible as a book of religion only—a book about salvation, but not a book of history that connects to every area of reality.

Christianity, unlike many other religions, is based in real history. If the events of Jesus Christ’s birth, death and resurrection didn’t happen in real history, then how can we be saved? If all people aren’t descended from the real first man in history, Adam, then why are we all accountable for sin?

We need to read the Bible as a history book. When we do, we also find the Bible touches on geology, astronomy, biology and so on. This means we need to make sure that our children understand that the Bible connects to dinosaurs, rocks, trees, dirt, stars, people—in fact, everything.

Because of the influence of evolution and old ages, many Christians have relegated the Bible to just a book of religion—thus disconnecting it from the real world. That’s why so many Christians lack answers to the world’s false teachings.

Most of the church teaches biblical history as just a group of “Bible stories” disconnected from this history. But the majority of students from church homes attend government-run schools where they are taught a history (involving geology, biology, anthropology, astronomy, etc.) that blatantly contradicts biblical history. What is the consequence? See "Living in a bubble" at www.answersingenesis.org.

This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.

Friday, December 01, 2006

Of course there are many great themes in these books. The return of Christ, the defeat of Satan, the old and new natures, the blessed Trinity and so many, so many more. But in the time we have this morning I’d like us to center on three!

Thursday, November 30, 2006

The illusion of purpose is so powerful that biologists themselves use the assumption of good design as a working tool. -Richard Dawkins, atheist

Atheists and evolutionists, such as in the quote above persist in the rejection of obvious truth. They see the signature of the Creator all over creation, but shut their eyes to the design they see, and attribute it to natural causes. Dawkins, perhaps the world's best know atheist, even sees the evidence of purpose, but calls it an illusion. -John D. Morris, President of the Institute for Creation Research, www.icr.org

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. -Paul, former persecutor, Romans 16:16-25

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Sometimes we suffer from "I used to..." or "In the past, I did..." syndrome. It's not that there is anything wrong with whatever service we have rendered to the Lord in the past it's just that we would be better served by asking ourselves in respect to our service to the king of kings and lord of Lords, WHAT ABOUT RECENTLY?

I. HAVE WE PRAYED RECENTLY? [LUKE 10:2]

1. We need to get serious [James 5:16]

2. We need to get smart [Phil. 1:3-11, 2:19]

3. We need to get started [I Tm. 2:1-8]

II. HAVE WE PARTICIPATED RECENTLY?

In our local church we should be

1. Built up together [Eph. 1:1, 2:19-22]

2. Working together [Phil. 1:1, 27]

3. Comforted together [I Th. 5:8-13]

III. HAVE WE PROVIDED RECENTLY? [LUKE 12:20-21]

1. For local work [Acts 1:8] "both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea"

2. For larger work [Acts 1:8] "and in Samaria"

3. For largest work [Acts 1:8] "and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Monday, November 27, 2006

Last Monday I was at the Doctor's Office Door at 8 AM only to find out she was on a week long vacation. Today my wife and I were both there at 8 AM! We got in and have it confirmed. We both have the flu. She said there was a scientific name for this particular strain because it just keeps hanging on and on and on but she couldn't remember it. I suggested "Influenza lingeritis". Well, we got some prescriptions and are back at home, hopefully on the road to recovery.

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Mk. 2:16-17 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

2. Recognize you cannot deal with your own problem [v. 13]

Rom. 5:6-8 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

3. Recognize the solution must be Biblical [v. 14, Lev. 13-14]

II. WHO CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEM?1. They sought mercy from a Master [v. 13]

2. They received cleansing from God [v. 14b-15]

3. One man made the connection [v. 16]

Jesus often used a connect the dots to lead people to the truth about Himself. With:

III. ONE PROBLEM CAN LEAD TO ANOTHER1. The problem isn't skin, the problem is sin [v. 16-18]

2. The problem isn't God, the problem is man [v. 18, Rm. 1:16-32]

Lk. 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

3. The problem isn't not knowing, it's not doing [v. 19]

Col. 3:15-17 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

II Tm. 3:1-7 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

Q: What does SpongeBob SquarePants, the popular cartoon character, have to do with glass?A: A recent article used the popularity of this cartoon character to draw attention to a report on sponges that actually produce glass. Scientists have found sponges on the ocean floor that build glass cages. They “have biologists and materials scientists oohing, ahhing and taking notes for future bio-inspired engineering projects and materials.”According to the scientists, these sponges use mechanical engineering principles—just like today’s engineering students study in their textbooks—to make their glass cages. The sponges produce bundles of glass fibers held together with a special glue; these bundles can be twisted and bent without breaking.As one of the authors put it, “It’s quite remarkable how many basic engineering design principles the sponge uses.”Instead of being surprised by such a sophisticated level of engineering skill, we should look at these sponges and think about the greatest engineer ever—the Creator God of the universe. He’s the One who designed the sponge to do what it does do—and what it does do, it does do very well!Want to learn more about these incredible examples of God’s design? See Fantastic fibre-optics—sponge’s super spicules.

This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.

Friday, November 24, 2006

One of the greatest witnessing stoies ever. A must read. Sumner Wemp Nov 24, 2006

Tina Blessitt shares the story of her 9-year-old's last-second request which surprised his doctor and taught a valuable lesson about sharing the gospel.

Last fall my 9-year-old son, Austin, had his tonsils removed. Before the surgery, Austin's anesthesiologist came to start anIV. He was wearing a cool surgical cap covered in colorful frogs. Austin loved that "frog hat." The doctor explained that he had two choices?? He could either try to start the IV, or he could wait until Austin was up in the operating room. In the OR the doctor would give Austin some "goofy" gas, and start the IV when he was more relaxed. "So, Austin," he asked, "which do you want?" Austin replied, "I'll take the gas." But when the doctor started to leave, Austin called, "Hey, wait." The doctor turned. "Yeah, buddy, what do you need?" "Do you go to church?" "No," the doctor admitted. "I know I probably should, but I don't." Austin then asked, "Well, are you saved?" Chuckling nervously, the doctor said, "Nope. But after talking to you, maybe it's something I should consider." Pleased with his response, Austin answered, "Well, you should, 'cause Jesus is great!" "I'm sure He is, little guy," the doctor said, and quickly made his exit. After that a nurse took me to the waiting room. Someone would come and get me when Austin's surgery was done. After about 45 minutes, the anesthesiologist came into the waiting room. He told me the surgery went well and then said, "Mrs. Blessitt, I don't usually come down and talk to the parents after a surgery, but I just had to tell you what your son did." Oh boy, I thought. What did that little rascal do now? The doctor explained that he'd just put the mask on Austin when my son signaled that he needed to say something. When the doctor removed the mask, Austin blurted, "Wait a minute, we have to pray!" The doctor told him to go ahead, and Austin prayed, "Dear Lord, please let all the doctors and nurses have a good day. And Jesus, please let the doctor with the frog hat get saved and start going to church. Amen." The doctor admitted this touched him. "I was so sure he would pray that his surgery went well," he explained. "He didn't even mention his surgery He prayed for me! Mrs Blessitt, I had to come down and let you know what a great little guy you have." A few minutes later a nurse came to take me to post-op. She had a big smile on her face as we walked to the elevator. "Mrs. Blessitt, I couldn't wait to tell you something exciting that your son did." With a smile, I told her that the doctor already mentioned Austin's prayer. "But there's something you don't know," she said. "Some of the other nurses and I have been witnessing to and praying for that doctor for a long time. After your son's surgery, he tracked a few of us down to tell us about Austin's prayer. He said, 'Well girls, you got me. If that little boy could pray for me when he was about to have surgery, then I think maybe I need his Jesus too.'" She then recounted how they joined the doctor as he prayed to receive Christ right there in the hospital.

Wow! Austin had played a small part in something wonderful. But then, so did the nurses who prayed and witnessed. I thought about John's words in his Gospel, "One sows and the other reaps" (John 4:37). Austin's experience taught me that, although we never know which role we may be called to play, in the end it doesn't matter. What's important is that we remain faithful in sharing the gospel. Sumner Wemp

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Leprosy was the most feared, dreaded and repulsive disease anyone could ever have in Jesus day. Ten lepers cried out to Jesus for Him to have mercy on them. He healed all of them. "And ONE of them when he saw that he was healed, turned and with a loud voice glorified God, and he fell down on his face at His feet (we all will one day), giving him thanks and he was Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, (He was baffled too!) "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? Lk 17:13-19.Baffling That dear people is the most bewildering, mind boggling thing in the Bible to me. The nextMillions of professed sinners claim to be cleansed and give very little thanks. What they doHardly ever read the Word of God. Pray very little. Give very little, Never tell lost people how to be saved. Don't know nor exercise their spiritual gifts for the Lord. "Lovest thou me" asked Jesus? If so, say it, show it. Stop murmuring"In EVERYTHING give thanks for this is the will of God concerning you" 1 Thes 5:18. Cf Rom 8:28. Happy THANKSGIVING.Make a year of itSay it. DAILY give thanks this year. Thank Him every day that you are saved, forgiven, cleansed, going to heaven instead of hell. Make sense? Show it. Love God with all your heart. Be in church every Sunday. Read the Word of God every day. Talk to your Father every day. He waits to hear from you. Preach the gospel to every creature, you can. Give them a chance to go to heaven. Honor God with your money. What you have will go much farther if you do. You know that is true!Now have a trerrific THANKSGIVING. ABC C. Sumner Wemp, many ask who I am!http://www.sumnerwemp.com/history.htm my history and pictureGo to http://www.sumnerwemp.com Point to "feature section", click on an article and be blessed. THANKS for so many wonderful encouragements. We are thankful.

"Free will does not abrogate God's Divine Sovereignty. God, in His Sovereignty, gave man the option to trust Christ and be saved or reject Christ and remain condemned (Rm. 9:30-33). If I, as a parent, give my children the option of eating hot dogs or hamburgers, would their choosing one or the other abrogate my parental authority? No! I, in and with my authority, gave them that choice." -FAJ

"Forgiveness is God's business!" -Evangelist Glenn Jaspers

"Motives: the one thing we cannot judge as human beings is the thing God will use as a basis for judgment." -Bob Reed

Sunday, November 19, 2006

Verse 22 tells us this is Jesus. Some may not know who Jesus really is. They may have an idea but not a clear grasp of the depth of this, the greatest individual who ever lived, and ever liveth! The Bible is His Story (HISTORY) but we don't have time to read the whole Bible this morning. But we can see that Jesus is-

1. Honoured by the Father [Hebrews 1:1-13]

John 8:54-55 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.

2. Bolstered by His works [Hebrews 10:4-14]

John 10:37-38 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

3. Proven by His resurrection [Hebrews 10:12-20, 13:20]

Romans 1:1-4 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

II. is ABLE also to SAVE them to the uttermost [Hebrews 7:25]1. He can do what others cannot

III. that COME unto GOD by HIM [HEBREWS 7:25]1. In the imperative we are commanded to obey the Gospel

Romans 10:16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?2 Thessalonians 1:8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:Hebrews 4:2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.1 Peter 4:17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

2. In the negative we are warned to NOT neglect, NOT turn back, NOT reject

3. In the positive we are admonished to believe, to receive, to accept

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Q: Some Australian scientists reported they’d found an Aboriginal site to be 176,000 years old. Don’t solid dates like this disprove the Bible?A: The problem is, most people don’t realize how “solid” these dates actually are.Huge publicity was given to the report that scientists had dated this Aboriginal site to be around 176,000 years old. However, some independent experts have looked at the data and said that on the basis of their experiments, this date should be changed to 20,000 years! What an incredible difference—156,000 years different than what the other scientists had stated.Then, another scientist said that when he checked the data on a sample dated at 50,000 years, his figure would be 5,000 years or less! So much for “solid” dates!So what dates are solid? The answers can be obtained from the only truly reliable history book: the Bible. Scientists continually flip-flip on their dates, overturning the dates that were once considered solid. Knowing that the Bible says Noah’s Flood occurred about 4,500 years ago helps us understand that Australian Aboriginal history has taken place in under 4,500 years—and that the Bible, not science, gives us a solid foundation for understanding history.How do scientists come up with the long-age dates that are so widely publicized and lead some to doubt Genesis? Read the shocking truth in The dating game.

Taken from the AIG Weekly email Newsletter. This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.

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When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 8:3-4